Control panel for a vehicle

ABSTRACT

A control panel assembly includes a housing having a recess formed therein. A panel is movably attached to said the housing. A control mechanism is mounted on the panel. The panel is movable between a first position in which the panel generally covers the recess, and a second position in which the recess is exposed. The panel is releasably locked in the first position by a latch mechanism.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/317,170 filed Sep. 4, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to electrical control panels forvehicles. Most all passenger vehicles are equipped with electricalcomponents which are controllable by the occupants of the vehicle. Theelectrical components are controlled by the manual manipulation ofcontrol mechanisms, such as switches and rotary devices. The controlmechanisms are mounted on various panels within the interior of thevehicle, such as the instrument panel, door panels, seats, centerconsoles, and overhead consoles. It is becoming increasingly more commonto replace manually actuated components with electrically actuatedcomponents, such as for example, seat adjustment mechanisms, mirroradjustment mechanisms, door locks, window lifting devices, pedaladjustment mechanisms, and steering column adjustment mechanisms.Because of the increase in number of control mechanisms, the variousareas surrounding the occupants, namely the driver of the vehicle, isbecoming over crowded and sometimes confusing. The increased amount ofcontrol mechanisms also leads to the placement of some of the controlmechanisms at undesirable locations where they might be difficult orcumbersome to reach.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a control panel for a vehicle interior. Thecontrol panel assembly includes a housing having a recess formedtherein. A panel is movably attached to said the housing. A controlmechanism is mounted on the panel. The panel is movable between a firstposition in which the panel generally covers the recess, and a secondposition in which the recess is exposed. The panel is releasably lockedin the first position by a latch mechanism.

Various objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art from the following detailed description of thepreferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a vehicle door panel having thecontrol panel of the present invention mounted thereon.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the control panel of FIG. 1, wherein thedoor panel is in its closed position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the control panel of FIG. 1, wherein thedoor panel is in its open position.

FIG. 4 is cross-sectional view of the control panel taken along Line 4—4in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a controlpanel.

FIG. 6 is an end cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of acontrol panel, wherein a door panel is shown in a first position.

FIG. 7 is an end cross sectional view of the control panel of FIG. 6,wherein the door panel is shown in a second position.

FIG. 8 is an end cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of acontrol pane, wherein a door panel is shown in a first position.

FIG. 9 is an end cross sectional view of the control panel of FIG. 8,wherein the door panel is shown in a second position.

FIG. 10 is an end cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of acontrol panel.

FIG. 11 is an end cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of acontrol panel, wherein a door panel is shown in a first position.

FIG. 12 is an end cross sectional view of the control panel of FIG. 11,wherein the door panel is in an intermediate position.

FIG. 13 is an end cross sectional view of the control panel of FIG. 11,wherein the door panel is almost in a second position.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a controlpanel, wherein a movable panel is shown in a first position.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the control panel of FIG. 14, whereinthe panel is in a second position.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a controlpanel, wherein a movable panel is shown in a first position.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the control panel of FIG. 16, whereinthe panel is in a second position.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a controlpanel, wherein first and second panels are shown in their firstpositions.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the control panel of FIG. 18, whereinthe panels are shown in their second positions.

FIG. 20 is an end cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of acontrol panel, wherein a scoop portion is shown in a first position.

FIG. 21 is an end cross sectional view of the control panel of FIG. 20,wherein the scoop portion is in a second position.

FIG. 22 is an end view of an alternate embodiment of a control panelhaving a detent mechanism.

FIG. 23 is an end view of an alternate embodiment of a control panelhaving an alternate embodiment of a detent mechanism.

FIG. 24 is an enlarge perspective view of a cam.

FIG. 25 is an end view of an alternate embodiment of a control panelusing the cam of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment of acontrol panel, wherein the bezel housing and the movable panel are shownseparately.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the control panel of FIG. 26, whereinthe bezel housing and the movable panel are assembled together.

FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment of acontrol panel, wherein the two piece bezel housing and the movable panelare shown separately.

FIG. 29 is an end view in partial cross section of the control panel ofFIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment of acontrol panel, wherein the bezel housing, the movable panel, and a pinassembly are shown separately.

FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment of acontrol panel, wherein the two piece bezel housing and the movable panelare shown separately.

FIG. 32 is an end cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of acontrol panel.

FIG. 33 is a top plan view of a seat control switch assembly.

FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment of acontrol panel having a latch release mechanism.

FIG. 35 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the latch releasemechanism of FIG. 34.

FIGS. 36a through 36 d are, respectively, the perspective, plan, sideelevation and front elevation views of the actuating member of the latchrelease mechanism of FIG. 34.

FIGS. 37a through 37 f are, respectively, perspective, side elevation,front elevation, plan, bottom plan, and rear elevation views of thelatch cam member of the latch release mechanism of FIG. 34.

FIGS. 38a through 38 e are, respectively, perspective, plan, sectional,front elevation, and side elevation views of the latch cam base of thelatch release mechanism of FIG. 34.

FIGS. 39a through 39 c are, respectively, plan, side elevation, andfront elevation views of the latch release mechanism assembly of FIG.34.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 acontrol panel, indicated generally at 10, in accordance with the presentinvention. As will be described below, the control panel 10 and theother embodiment of control panels disclosed herein include a pluralityof controls for controlling various electrical components or accessoriesof the vehicle, such as seats, mirrors, windows, door locks, pedaladjustment mechanisms, and steering column adjustment mechanisms.

The control panel 10 is preferably located at a location which isconvenient for the user or occupant of the vehicle. For example, thecontrol panel 10 is preferably located and incorporated into an armrest14 of a vehicle door trim panel 16, as best shown in FIGS. 1 through 3.Of course, the control panel 10 can be located anywhere within theinterior, such as an instrument panel, center console, or overheadconsole.

The control panel generally includes a housing 18, as best shown in FIG.4. The housing 18 can be any suitable structure for containing andmounting the components of the control panel 10. For example, thehousing 18 can be integrally formed in the armrest 14 of the door trimpanel 16. The housing 18 can be a separate module or can be integrallyformed in an interior trim panel. As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 18includes a generally vertical outboard panel 20 having an inner surface22. The panel 20 can be separate or formed from part of the door trimpanel 16. The housing 18 also includes a bottom panel 24 having asurface 26, and a generally vertical inboard panel 28 having an innersurface 30. The surfaces 22, 26, and 30 define a recess 32. The recess32 is also defined by end walls 34 and 36, as shown in FIG. 3. Therecess 32 can have any suitable shape, but preferably conforms to theshape of the armrest 14. The recess 32 is located underneath a topsurface 38 of the armrest 14.

The control panel 10 further includes an access or door panel 40 whichis movably mounted on the housing 18. Preferably, the door panel 40 ispivotally mounted on the housing 18 by one or more hinges 42. As bestshown in FIG. 4, the hinges are mounted adjacent the outboard panel 20.Of course, the panel 40 can be pivotally mounted on the housing 18 byany suitable manner. The panel 40 is movable between a normally closedposition, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and an open position, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, as indicated by phantom lines 40 a in FIG. 4. In theclosed position, the panel 40 is positioned generally above andsubstantially closes off the open upper portion of the recess 32. Ofcourse, the control panel 10 may be configured such that the panel 40only partially covers the recess 32, for example, if the opening of therecess 32 is larger than the panel 40. In the open position, the panel40 generally exposes the opening of the recess 32 to permit easy accessto control mechanisms mounted therein which are normally hidden fromview when the panel 40 is in its closed position, as will be explainedbelow. Although the panel 40 is shown and described in FIGS. 1-4 asbeing pivotally mounted on the housing 18, the panel 40 can be movablymounted by any suitable structure, such as by a sliding, rotating, or arolling apparatus. Also, the panel 40 could be pivotally mounted at anysuitable location, such as by hinges (not shown) mounted on the end wall36 such that the panel flips forward instead of from the side, as shownin FIGS. 3 and 4.

The control panel 10 includes a first bank of control mechanisms orcontrols, indicated generally at 44, which are mounted on and extendupwardly from a top surface 46 of the panel 40. Preferably, the topsurface 46 of the panel 40 is flush and generally co-planar with thesurface 38 of the armrest 14. The controls mechanisms of the controlpanels as described and shown herein can be any suitable controlmechanism, such as an electrical switch, button, slide, toggle, orrotary knob which controls a corresponding electrical components of thevehicle. The control mechanisms can also be mechanically actuatedmechanisms such as cable connected knobs for controlling side viewmirror assemblies (not shown).

Preferably, the first bank of controls 44 includes control mechanismswhich are frequently used by the driver or passenger of the vehiclesince the panel 40 is normally in its closed position. For example, thebank of controls 44 can include a side view mirror selection switch 50(left and right) and a four way position control knob 52 for controllingthe position of a side view mirror (not shown). The bank of controls 44can also include a power door lock/unlock switch 56, power windowswitches 58, and a push button switch 60 for locking control ofauxiliary power window switches.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the control panel 10 includes a second bankof controls, indicated generally at 70, which are mounted on the bottompanel 24 of the housing 18. If desired, the second bank of controls canbe mounted on a separate module (not shown) which is installed in therecess 32. Similar to the first bank of controls 44, the second bank ofcontrols 70 can include any suitable control mechanisms. Preferably, thesecond bank of controls 70 includes controls which are infrequently usedby the driver or passenger of the vehicle since the panel 40 is normallyin its closed position, thereby covering or hiding the second bank ofcontrols 70. For example, the bank of controls 70 can include a seatrecliner switch 74 and a six-way control switch 76 for controlling thefore, aft, and height adjustments of a powered seat. The second bank ofcontrols 70 can also include a pair of switches 78 for controllingheated and/or cooled seats. Also, a selector switch 80 may be providedfor selectively controlling a four-way switch 82, for controlling eitherthe up/down/in/out motion of a seat lumbar support or thefirst/second/exit/set controls of a memory circuit for automaticallyactuating seats, mirrors, radio to preset positions, pedal adjustmentmechanisms, and/or steering column adjustment mechanisms. Of course, thefirst and second banks of controls can have any other desirablecontrols.

The bank of controls 44 and 70 can be mounted on the panel 40 and bottompanel 24, respectively, by any suitable manner. Preferably, the controls44 are wired by a flat flexible cable (not shown) which travels throughor about the hinge point of the panel 40 with respect to the housing 18.Of course, the wiring can be routed by any suitable manner, such asthrough a hollow hinge member (not shown). The controls 44 and 70 can beconnected with a multiplex bus wiring scheme or using a directconnection, but can be wired by any suitable manner.

The controls 44 and 70 can also be connected using radio frequency (RF)transmitters. The receiver can be a separate dedicated receiver for thecontrols 44 and 70 or an existing receiver for a remote keyless entrysystem (not shown) could be utilized. For example, due to possible wearproblems with using wires for the controls 44 in the hinged door panel40, it may be desirable to use RF transmitters.

One of the advantages of the control panel 10 is that all of thecontrols of the control panel 10 can be mounted at an ergonomically andconvenient location at the forward portion of the armrest 14. By usingthe movable panel 40 to stack two layers of controls, a relatively largenumber of controls can be mounted in a relatively small and convenientarea. Conventionally, the controls in the second bank of controls 70 aremounted at less desirable areas such as the lower portions of the seator on the instrument panel. By providing more frequently used controlson the exposed surface 46 of the panel 40 when in its closed position,the user only has to open the panel 40 a generally infrequent number oftimes when the second bank of controls 40 are used.

The control panel 10 can also be configured so that a portion of thecontrol mechanisms 44 are not independent switches but are movable knobswhich when depressed or otherwise controlled, physically engage one ofthe controls 70 directly underneath. A separate indicator switch (notshown) can be installed between the panel 40 and the housing 18 toindicate whether the panel 40 is in its open or closed position.

The control panel 10 may also include a foam pad 89 mounted on theunderside of panel 40 to protect the second bank of controls 70 if, forexample, the panel 40 is depressed downward too far and hits the upperportions of the second bank of controls 70.

Although the control panel is shown and described as being horizontallymounted on the armrest 14, the control panel 10 could be mountedvertically, for example, on the door trim panel 16, with the panel 40being movable to a position to provide access to the second bank ofcontrol 70.

The present invention also includes a method of installing the controlpanel 10 in a vehicle. The first step of installing the control panel 10is to select a location in the vehicle interior which provides aconvenient location for a user, such as the driver, to access aplurality of control mechanisms which operate various vehiclecomponents. An example of a convenient location is on the armrest 14 ofthe door trim panel 12, as shown in FIG. 1. This location is generallyconvenient because of being in short reach and high visibility to theuser. A primary set of control mechanisms and a secondary set of controlmechanisms are then identified from the plurality of control mechanisms.For example, the primary set of control mechanisms can include one ofmore of the controls of the first bank of controls 44. The secondary setof control mechanisms can include one or more of the controls of thesecond bank of controls 70. Preferably, the primary set is identified bythe relative frequent use of the control mechanisms. Generally, thecontrols 70 are used less frequently than the controls 44. The primaryand secondary set of control mechanisms are then located and installedat the convenient location, such as mounting them in the armrest 14. The40 panel is provided to cover the secondary set of control mechanisms.This covering provides an advantage of not cluttering up the location ofthe controls with many controls. When access is needed to the lessfrequently used secondary controls, the panel 40 can be moved to exposethe secondary controls.

The recess 32 of the control panel 10 may also define a storagecompartment 80 or coin/ashtray bin. The control panel 10 could also beconfigured without the second bank of control 70 for vehicles which donot include the accessories associated with the second bank of control72 to provide a larger storage compartment. For example, a vehiclemanufacture may assemble a vehicle having two or more option packages,wherein a first option package includes the first bank of controls 44and the second bank of controls 70. The second option package may onlyinclude the first bank of controls 44 because the electrical componentsof all or some which are associated with the second bank of controls isnot installed in the vehicle. It would be desirable to use at least aportion of the space within the recess 32 as a storage compartment ifthe second option package was installed in the vehicle. The storagecompartment can be simply an open compartment or house another storagemodule, such as for example, a coin dispenser. For installation, thesecond bank of controls 70 can be housed in a single module (not shown)which is installed within the recess 32.

There is illustrated in FIG. 5 an alternate embodiment of a controlpanel, indicated generally at 100. The control panel 100 can include anyof the features of the various control panels described herein, andpreferably includes a plurality of controls for controlling variouselectrical components or accessories of the vehicle, such as seats,mirrors, windows, door locks, pedal adjustment mechanisms, and steeringcolumn adjustment mechanisms. The control panel 100 includes a doorpanel 102 pivotally mounted on a trim housing 104, such as an armrest.The panel 102 is shown in its substantially open position in FIG. 5. Thedoor panels 102 can have any suitable shape or thickness and preferablycorresponds to the contour and shape of the trim housing 104 such thatthe door panel 102 is generally flush with the trim housing when in itsclosed position. The door panel 102 includes a first or upper side 106facing upwardly into the interior of the vehicle.

A first bank of controls, indicated generally at 108, are mounted on andextend upwardly from the upper side 106 of the panel. The panel 102 alsoincludes a second or lower side 110 which faces and selectively covers arecess 112 formed in the trim housing 104. A second bank of controls114, preferably less frequently used than the first bank of controls108, are mounted on the door panel 102. For example, the second bank ofcontrols 114 of the illustrated embodiment of the control panel 100shown in FIG. 5 is a seat controller. The door panel 102 is pivotallymounted on the trim housing such that the panel is movable between anopen and a closed position approximately 90 degrees apart from oneanother. The panel 102 is movable in a similar manner as the controlpanel 40, between a normally closed position, such that the door panel102 conceals the recess 112 and the second bank of controls 108, and anopen position, as shown in FIG. 5, to expose the recess 112 and thesecond bank of controls 114. The recess 112 can be used as a storagecompartment to store items such as coins, mobile phones, or additionalcontrols. Alternatively, the recess 112 may house a third bank ofcontrols (not shown). Preferably, the panel 102 includes a detent lockmechanism (not shown) for maintaining the panel 102 in its open positionfor ease in manipulation of the bank of controls 114.

There is illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 another alternate embodiment of acontrol panel, indicated generally at 120. The control panel 120 caninclude any of the features of the various control panels describedherein, and preferably includes a plurality of controls for controllingvarious electrical components or accessories of the vehicle, such asseats, mirrors, windows, door locks, pedal adjustment mechanisms, andsteering column adjustment mechanisms. The control panel 120 includes adoor panel 122 pivotally mounted on a trim housing 124 about a pivot126. The trim housing 124 preferably is a door trim panel of a vehicle.The trim housing includes an armrest portion 128 having a generallyhorizontal surface 130. The trim housing 124 also includes a generallyvertical wall portion 132 having a recess 134 formed therein.

A first bank of controls, indicated generally at 136, are mounted on thearmrest portion 128 and extend upwardly from the surface 130. A secondbank of controls, indicated generally at 138, are mounted on a firstsurface 140 of the panel 122. Preferably, the first bank of controls 136are the more frequently used controls compared to the second bank ofcontrols 138. The door panel 122 is normally in a vertical position, asshown in FIG. 6, and preferably is disposed in the recess 134 formed inthe vertical wall portion 132. The second bank of controls 138 face theinterior of the recess 134 when the panel 122 is in its verticalposition, thereby concealing the bank of controls 138. Preferably, thepanel 122 is relatively thin and includes a second surface 142 oppositethe first surface 140 which is substantially flush with the exteriorsurface of the wall portion 132. The door panel 122 is movable to agenerally horizontal position, as shown in FIG. 7 to expose the secondbank of controls 138. When the panel 122 is in its horizontal position,the first bank of controls 136 are concealed. Of course, the door panel122 does not have to cover or conceal all of the second bank of controls130, but may only cover a portion of them.

There is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 another alternate embodiment of acontrol panel, indicated generally at 150. The control panel 150 caninclude any of the features of the various control panels describedherein, and preferably includes a plurality of controls for controllingvarious electrical components or accessories of the vehicle, such asseats, mirrors, windows, door locks, pedal adjustment mechanisms, andsteering column adjustment mechanisms.

The control panel 150 includes a panel 152 pivotally mounted on a trimhousing 154 about a pivot 156. The trim housing 154 preferably is a doortrim panel of a vehicle. The trim housing 154 includes an armrestportion 158 having a recess 160 formed therein. The recess 160 has agenerally quadrant cylindrical cross-sectional shape for receiving thepivoting panel 152 as described in more detail below. The trim housing154 also includes a generally vertical wall portion 162 having a recess164 formed therein for also receiving a portion of the panel 152. Therecess 164 has a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape.

The door panel 152 has a generally L-shaped cross section defining afirst portion 170 and a second portion 172 extending generally 90degrees from the first portion 170. The first and second portions 170and 172 are generally shaped as relatively thin rectangular blocksextending along the length of the armrest portion 158. A first bank ofcontrols 174 are mounted on a surface 176 of the first portion 170. Asecond bank of controls 178 are mounted on a surface 180 of the secondportion 172. The door panel 152 is rotatable about the pivot 156 betweena first position, as shown in FIG. 8, in which the first portion 170 isgenerally vertical and the second portion 172 is generally horizontal,and a second position (90 degrees from the first position), as shown inFIG. 9, in which the first portion 170 is generally horizontal and thesecond portion 172 is generally vertical below the first portion. In thefirst position, the first bank of controls 174 are concealed within therecess 164, and the second bank of controls 178 are exposed to agenerally horizontal position, and are preferably flush with the surfaceof the armrest portion. In the second position, the first bank ofcontrols are exposed to a generally horizontal position (generally thesame position as the first bank of control in the first position) andthe second bank of the controls are concealed underneath the first bankof controls in the recess 160.

The door panel 152 can be operated by any suitable mechanism for movingthe door panel 152 between one or both of its positions. Preferably, thecontrol panel 150 includes a latching mechanism (not shown) formaintaining the door panel 152 in one or both of its first and secondpositions so that operation of the controls does not inadvertently movethe door panel 152.

There is illustrated in FIG. 10 another alternate embodiment of acontrol panel, indicated generally at 190. The control panel 190 caninclude any of the features of the various control panels describedherein, and preferably includes a plurality of controls for controllingvarious electrical components or accessories of the vehicle, such asseats, mirrors, windows, door locks, pedal adjustment mechanisms, andsteering column adjustment mechanisms.

The control panel 190 includes a trim housing panel 192, such as anarmrest panel, having a generally horizontal surface 194. The trimhousing panel 192 includes a recess 196 formed in the horizontal surface194. The recess 196 has an arcuate shape, and more preferably has agenerally half cylindrical cross-sectional shape for accommodating themovement of a rotating door panel 200. The door panel 200 is pivotallymounted in the trim housing panel 192 about a pivot 202. The pivot 202defines a pivot axis which is preferably symmetrically oriented betweenside edges 211 and 213 of the panel 200. Thus, the pivot axis extendsthrough a central portion of the panel 200. The panel 200 is shaped as arelatively thin rectangular block extending along the length of thearmrest. A first bank of controls 204 are mounted on a surface 206 ofthe panel 200. A second bank of controls 208 are mounted on a surface210 of the panel 200. The panel 200 is rotatable about the pivot 202between first and second positions. In the first position, as shown inFIG. 10, the first bank of controls 204 are facing upwardly, and thesecond bank of controls are concealed in the recess 196. In the secondposition, panel has rotated about 180 degrees about the pivot 202 suchthat the first bank of controls 204 are concealed in the recess 196, andthe second bank of controls 208 are now facing upwardly.

The door panel 200 can be operated by any suitable mechanism for movingthe door panel 200 between one or both of its positions. Preferably, thecontrol panel 190 includes a latching mechanism (not shown) formaintaining the door panel 200 in one or both of its first and secondpositions so that operation of the controls does not inadvertently movethe door panel 200.

There is illustrated in FIGS. 11 through 13 another alternate embodimentof a control panel, indicated generally at 250. The control panel 250can include any of the features of the various control panels describedherein, and preferably includes a plurality of controls for controllingvarious electrical components or accessories of the vehicle, such asseats, mirrors, windows, door locks, pedal adjustment mechanisms, andsteering column adjustment mechanisms.

The control panel 250 includes a trim panel housing 251, such as anarmrest, having a generally horizontal surface 253. A recess 255 isformed in the surface 253. The recess 255 has a generally rectangularcross-sectional shape. A generally flat rectangular block shaped panel252 is movable within a track 254 about a pin 256 attached to the panel252. The pin 256 both rotates and slides within the track 254, therebypermitting movement of the panel 252 relative to the trim panel housing251. The track 254 can have any suitable profile to provide the flippingmotion of the panel 252. The panel 252 is essentially movable betweentwo positions similar to the panel 200 of FIG. 10, but instead ofrotating 180 degrees about a stationary pivot, the panel 252 has amoving pivot point. This movement provides the same positions of thepanel 200 but in a smaller package area, i.e., the depth of the arcuateor half cylindrical recess 196 is not required. The panel 252 ismoveable between a first horizontal position, as shown in FIG. 11, and asecond horizontal position, as shown almost completed in FIG. 13, whichis approximately 180 degrees flipped from the first position. FIG. 12illustrates an intermediate position between the first and secondpositions. The panel 252 includes a first surface 260 having a firstbank of controls 262, and a second surface 264 having a second bank ofcontrols 266. When the panel 252 is in its first position, the firstbank of controls 262 is exposed to the user, and the second bank ofcontrols 266 is concealed in a generally rectangular recess 270 formedin a housing 272. When the panel 252 is in its second position thesecond bank of controls 266 is exposed, and the first bank of controls262 is concealed in the recess 270.

The door panel 252 can be operated by any suitable mechanism for movingthe door panel 252 between one or both of its positions. Preferably, thecontrol panel 250 includes a latching mechanism (not shown) formaintaining the door panel 252 in one or both of its first and secondpositions so that operation of the controls does not inadvertently movethe door panel 252.

There is illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 another alternate embodiment ofa control panel, indicated generally at 280. The control panel 280 caninclude any of the features of the various control panels describedherein, and preferably includes a plurality of controls for controllingvarious electrical components or accessories of the vehicle, such asseats, mirrors, windows, door locks, pedal adjustment mechanisms, andsteering column adjustment mechanisms.

The control panel 280 includes a trim housing 282 which is preferably aportion of a door trim panel. The trim housing 282 includes a generallyvertical surface 283 and another surface 284 which is generally angledforwardly and upwardly relative to a horizontal axis H by an angle A.The surface 284 is preferably a portion of an armrest. The surface 284can be flat or can have a curved contour. For example, in the embodimentof the surface 284 illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the surface 284 has aslight concave contour for aesthetic reasons. The surface 284 has atriangular block shaped recess 286 formed therein for receiving apivotally mounted triangular shaped panel 290.

The panel 290 is pivotally mounted relative to the trim housing 282 at apivot axis 292 by any suitable manner. As stated above, the panel 290has a generally triangular block shape and includes a pair of side walls294 (only one side wall viewable in FIGS. 14 and 15), a first side 296,a second side 298, and a third side 300. The first side 296 generallydefines a surface or a plane which is at an acute angle with respect toa surface or plane defined by the second side 298. A first bank ofcontrols 302 are mounted on the first side 296, and a second bank ofcontrols 304 are mounted on the second side 298. In the embodimentsshown, there are no controls mounted on the third side 300 whichgenerally always remains hidden in the recess 286 during movement of thepanel 290. Preferably, the first bank of controls 302 are used morefrequently than the second bank of controls 304. Note that the controlpanel 280 may also include additional controls 306 mounted on thesurface 284 and not on the panel 290.

The panel 290 is pivotably mounted about the pivot axis 292 and ismovable between first and second positions. In the first position, asshown in FIG. 14, the first side 296 is generally flush with the surface284 to reveal the first bank of controls 302, and conceal the secondbank of controls 304. In the second position, the panel 290 is pivotedabout the pivot axis 292 in a rearward manner to a position as shown inFIG. 15. In the second position, the second bank of controls 304 are inplain view and in an easily accessible area. Note that the first bank ofcontrols 302 are not concealed in the recess 286 but are placed in aless accessible position in front of the panel 290.

The panel 290 can be operated by any suitable mechanism for moving thepanel 290 between one or both of its positions. For example, the controlpanel 280 may include a latch mechanism, indicated schematically at 307,operated by a push button switch 308 which releases the panel 290 fromits first position. The latch mechanism 307 can be manually operated orelectrically operated. Preferably, the control panel 280 would furtherinclude a spring mechanism, indicated schematically at 310 for biasingthe panel 290 to its second position upon actuation of the latchmechanism 307. To move the panel 290 to its first position, the panel290 could simply be manually pushed back until the latch mechanismmaintains the panel 290 in its first position.

Alternatively, the control panel 280 can include a manual pull tab 312at the upper portion of the first side 296 to assist in manually pullingthe panel 290 to its second position from its first position. The latchmechanism 307 could then maintain the panel 290 in its second position.To move the panel 290 back to its second position, the latch mechanism307 could be operated by the push button switch 308. For thisembodiment, the spring mechanism 310 would bias the panel 290 to itsfirst position. A damper mechanism, indicated schematically at 314,would preferably be attached between the trim panel housing 282 and thepanel 290 to dampen the motion of the panel when its returned to itssecond position.

The control panel 280 is ideally suited for placement in a vehicle inwhich the best placement for controls is in a forward portion of anarmrest having an upwardly sloping angle, such as the surface 284 of thetrim housing 282 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. However, for vehicles havingarmrests only having a generally horizontal surface, an alternateembodiment of a control panel, indicated generally at 320 andillustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 is preferred. The control panel 320 issimilar to the control panel 280. The control panel 280 can include anyof the features of the various control panels described herein, andpreferably includes a plurality of controls for controlling variouselectrical components or accessories of the vehicle, such as seats,mirrors, windows, door locks, pedal adjustment mechanisms, and steeringcolumn adjustment mechanisms.

The control panel 320 includes a trim housing 322, such as an armrest,having a generally horizontal surface 324. A recess is 326 formed in thesurface 324 for receiving a triangular block shaped panel 330. The panel330 is pivotally mounted relative to the trim housing 322 about a pivotaxis 332. The panel 330 includes a pair of side walls 334 (only one sidewall viewable in FIGS. 16 and 17), a first side 336, a second side 338,and a third side 340. The first side 336 generally defines a surface ora plane which is at an acute angle with respect to a surface or planedefined by the second side 338. A first bank of controls 342 are mountedon the first side 336, and a second bank of controls 344 are mounted onthe second side 338. Preferably, the first bank of controls 342 are usedmore frequently than the second bank of controls 344.

The panel 330 is pivotably mounted about the pivot axis 332 and ismovable between first and second positions. In the first position, asshown in FIG. 16, the first side 336 is generally flush with the surface324 to reveal the first bank of controls 342, and conceal the secondbank of controls 344. In the second position, the panel 290 is pivotedabout the pivot axis 332 in an upward and forward manner to a positionas shown in FIG. 17. In the second position, the second bank of controls344 are in an easily accessible area. Note that the first bank ofcontrols 342 are not concealed in the recess 326 but are placed in aless accessible position in front of the panel 290. The panel 330 can bemoved between and maintained in its first and second positions, by anysuitable structures, such as by the latch mechanism 307, the push buttonswitch 308, the spring mechanism 310, the pull tab 312, and the dampermechanism 314 described above with respect to the control panel 280.

There is illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19 another alternate embodiment ofa control panel, indicated generally at 350. The control panel 350 caninclude any of the features of the various control panels describedherein, and preferably includes a plurality of controls for controllingvarious electrical components or accessories of the vehicle, such asseats, mirrors, windows, door locks, pedal adjustment mechanisms, andsteering column adjustment mechanisms. As will be described in detailbelow, the control panel 350 is similar to the control panel 10illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 with one of differences being that the lowerbank of controls are moved upward when the panel is opened to provideeasy access to the controls so that the user does not have to reach downinto the recess.

The control panel 350 includes a trim housing 352, such as an armrestpanel, having an upper generally horizontal surface 354 and a recess 356formed therein extending downward from the surface 354. A first panel358 is pivotally mounted relative to the trim housing 352 at a pivot360. The first panel 358 includes an upper surface 362 having a firstbank of controls 364 mounted thereon. A second panel 366 is disposed inthe recess 356 and is movably mounted relative to the housing 352 suchthat the second panel 366 moves in a generally vertical direction withinthe recess 356. The second panel 366 includes an upper surface 368 uponwhich a second bank of controls 370 are mounted thereon. Preferably, thefirst back of controls 364 are used more often that the second bank ofcontrols 370.

The first panel 358 is pivotally movable between first and secondpositions. In the first position, as shown in FIG. 18, the upper surface354 of first panel 358 is in a generally horizontal position and thefirst panel 358 is covering the recess 356. Preferably, the first panel358 is disposed in the recess 356 when in its first position such thatthe upper surface 354 of the first panel 358 is flush with thehorizontal surface 354 of the trim housing 352. In the second position,as shown in FIG. 19, the first panel 358 is oriented in a generallyvertical position to expose the recess 356 and the second bank ofcontrols 370.

The second panel 366 is movable between a first lowered position withinthe recess 356, as shown in FIG. 18, and a second raised position withinthe recess 356, as shown in FIG. 19. Preferably, when the first panel358 moves into its second position, the second panel 366 isautomatically moved to its second position.

Any suitable mechanism can be used to raise and lower the second panel366. For example, as best shown in FIG. 19, the first panel 358 caninclude an arm 372 extending from a lower surface 374 thereof which isdisposed in a slot 376 formed in the second panel 366. Upon movement ofthe first and second panels 358 and 366 from their second positions totheir first positions, pivotal movement of the first panel 358 willcause the arm 372 to abut against a surface of the second panel 366within the slot 376, thereby pushing the second panel 366 downward.Preferably, a spring, schematically illustrated at 378, will bias thesecond panel 366 to its second position. The arm 372 will also functionas a stop to prevent further upward movement of the second panel 366.Preferably, the upper surface 368 of the second panel 366 is flush withthe surface 354 of the trim housing 352 when in its second position foraesthetic purposes.

There is illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21 another alternate embodiment ofa control panel, indicated generally at 400. The control panel 400 caninclude any of the features of the various control panels describedherein, and preferably includes a plurality of controls for controllingvarious electrical components or accessories of the vehicle, such asseats, mirrors, windows, door locks, pedal adjustment mechanisms, andsteering column adjustment mechanisms. The features of the control panel400 can also used with any of the control panels described and shownherein. The control panel 400 is similar to the control panel 10illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 with one of differences being that the controlpanel 400 includes a scoop portion to help prevent debris frominterfering with the movement of the control panel.

The control panel 400 includes a bezel housing 402 for insertion into arecess of a trim housing, such as an armrest of a door trim panel. Thebezel housing 402 has an edge 403 including an arcuate recess or trough404 formed therein and defining a curved surface 406. The control panel400 further includes a panel 408 pivotally mounted to the bezel housing402 at a pivot 410. The panel 408 includes an upper surface 412 having afirst bank of controls 414 mounted thereon. A second bank of controls420 are mounted on the bezel housing 402 and preferably located within arecess 422 formed in the bezel housing 402. The panel 408 is movablebetween a first position, as shown in FIG. 21, and a second position, asshown in FIG. 20. In the first position, the panel 408 is in a generallyhorizontal position and is positioned over the second bank of controls420 and preferably disposed in the recess 422. In the second position,the panel 408 is oriented in a generally vertical position to expose therecess 422 and the second bank of controls 420.

The panel 408 includes an arm or a scoop 416 which extends into thetrough 404. The scoop 416 has an end 418 which is preferably locatedadjacent the curved surface 406 of the bezel housing 402. The end 418 ofthe scoop 416 may be in contact with the curved surface 406 or may bespaced apart from the curved surface 406. It is preferred that the end418 of the scoop 416 be spaced less than 3 mm from the curved surface406, and more preferably less than 1 mm.

A major portion of the curved surface 406 is preferably cylindricalshaped defined by a radius R preferably originating from the pivot 410.The length of the major portion of the curved surface 406 corresponds tothe circular path of the end 418 of the scoop 416 as the panel 408 ismoved between its first and second positions. The scoop 416 and curvedsurface 406 helps prevents debris, such as liquids, coins, candy, etc.,from falling into the exposed portion of the trough 404 adjacent thepivot area of the panel 408 when the panel 408 is in its secondposition, and thereby jamming the pivoting connection of the panel 408.The end 418 scoops objects which have fallen into the trough 154.Although the scoop 416 can be any length, preferably the trough 404extends along the entire length of the edge 403 of the bezel housing.

There is illustrated in FIG. 22 another alternate embodiment of acontrol panel indicated generally at 430. The features of the controlpanel 430 can be used with any of the control panels described and shownherein. The control panel 430 is similar to the control panel 10illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and includes a bezel housing 432 for insertioninto a recess of a trim housing, such as an armrest of a door trimpanel. The bezel housing 432 includes a recess 434 having a second bankof controls 436 mounted therein. The control panel 430 further includesa panel 438 pivotally mounted to the bezel housing about a cylindricalpin 440 extending from the panel 438. The panel 438 includes a firstbank of controls 442 mounted thereon.

The panel 438 is movable between a first position and a second position,as shown in FIG. 22. In the first position, the panel 438 is in agenerally horizontal position and is positioned over the second bank ofcontrols 436 and preferably disposed in the recess 434. In the secondposition, the panel 438 is oriented in a generally vertical position toexpose the recess 434 and the second bank of controls 436.

The control panel 430 includes a detent mechanism, indicated generallyat 437. Generally, the detent mechanism 437 biases the panel 438 in itsopen position, as shown in FIG. 22. The detent mechanism 437 includes acam 444 which is rotationally fixed relative to the panel 438.Preferably, the cam 444 is mounted on the pin 440. The cam 444 includesa profile or curved cam surface 446 having an arcuate semi-circularshape defined by a radius R originating from the pivot axis defined bythe pin 440. The cam surface 446 include an indentation or detent 448formed therein extending inwardly towards the pivot axis. The detentmechanism 437 further includes a member or cam follower 450 slidablymounted relative to the bezel housing 432. Preferably, the cam follower450 is slidably disposed in a track 452 formed in the bezel housing 432.The cam follower 450 includes an end 454 engaged with the cam surface446. Preferably, the end 454 of the cam follower 450 includes a roller456 rotatably mounted on the end 454 for rollingly engaging the camsurface 446 to reduce frictional contact therebetween. Of course, theend 454 of the cam follower 450 can simply be a rounded edge in slidingcontact with the cam surface 446. A spring 458 disposed in the track 452biases the end 454 of the cam follower 450 against the cam surface 446.

When the panel 438 is positioned as shown in FIG. 22, the end 454 of thecam follower 450 is disposed in the detent 448 of the cam surface 446,thereby temporarily locking the panel 438 into its open or secondposition to help prevent vibration rattle. To move the panel 438 out ofthis position, the panel 438 is rotated to push the end 454 of the camfollower 450 out of the detent 448. The force of the spring 458 actingon the cam follower 450 must be overcome to move the panel.

Preferably, the detent 448 is shaped such that a sudden relatively highsloped surface 459 engages the left-hand end of the roller 456 to helpprevent further movement of the panel 438. Contrary, the detent 448preferably includes a gradual curved surface portion 460 engaging theright-hand end of the roller 456 to provide a relatively smoothtransition to and from the panel's locked position.

Although the detent mechanism 437 was described above as temporarilyholding or locking the panel 438 in its open or second position, asshown in FIG. 22, a similar detent mechanism could also be included inthe control panel 430 for temporarily holding or locking the panel 438in its closed or first position. The control panel 430 could alsoinclude a pair of detent mechanisms for holding the panel 438 in bothits first/closed and second/open positions.

There is illustrated in FIG. 23 another alternate embodiment of acontrol panel indicated generally at 470. The features of the controlpanel 470 can be used with any of the control panels described and shownherein. The control panel 470 is similar to the control panel 430illustrated in FIG. 22 and includes a bezel housing 472 for insertioninto a recess of a trim housing, such as an armrest of a door trimpanel. The bezel housing 472 includes a recess having a second bank ofcontrols (not shown) mounted therein. The control panel 470 furtherincludes a panel 478 pivotally mounted to the bezel housing about acylindrical pin 480 extending from the panel 478. The panel 478 includesa first bank of controls 482 mounted thereon.

The panel 478 is movable between a first position and a second position,as shown in FIG. 23. In the first position, the panel 478 is in agenerally horizontal position and is positioned over the second bank ofcontrols. In the second position, as shown in FIG. 23, the panel 478 isoriented in a generally vertical position to expose the second bank ofcontrols.

The panel includes a detent mechanism, indicated generally at 477. Thedetent mechanism 477 includes a cam 484 which is rotationally fixedrelative to the panel 478. Preferably, the cam 484 is mounted on the pin480. The cam 484 includes a profile or curved cam surface 486 having anarcuate semi-circular shape defined by a radius R originating from thepivot axis defined by the pin 480. The cam surface 486 include anindentation or detent 488 formed therein extending inwardly. The detentmechanism 477 further includes a member or cam follower 490 slidablymounted relative to the bezel housing 472. Preferably, the cam follower490 is slidably disposed in a track 492 formed in the bezel housing 473for general vertical movement therein, as viewing FIG. 23. The camfollower 490 includes an end 494 engaged with the cam surface 486.Preferably, the end 494 of the cam follower 490 includes a roller 496rotatably mounted on the end 494 for rollingly engaging the cam surface486 to reduce frictional contact therebetween. Of course, the end 494 ofthe cam follower 490 can simply be a rounded edge in sliding contactwith the cam surface 486. A spring 498 disposed in the track 492 biasesthe end 494 of the cam follower 490 against the cam surface 486.

Note that the spring 458 of the detent mechanism 437 illustrated in FIG.22 exerts a force in a generally vertical direction through the pivotaxis. Contrary, the spring 498 of the detent mechanism 477 illustratedin FIG. 23 exerts a force in a generally vertical direction but isoffset to the pivot axis by a length L This offset provides an assistingforce from the spring 498 acting on a detent surface 500 to rotate thecam 484 in a counter-clockwise direction, as viewing FIG. 23.Preferably, the location of the detent 488 provides an assisting forcein the last 5 to 20 degrees of rotation of the panel 478 from its firstposition to its second position.

There is illustrated in FIG. 25 another alternate embodiment of acontrol panel indicated generally at 510. The features of the controlpanel 510 can be used with any of the control panels described and shownherein. The control panel 510 is similar to the control panels 430 and470 and includes a bezel housing 512 for insertion into a recess of atrim housing, such as an armrest of a door trim panel. The bezel housing512 includes a recess having a second bank of controls (not shown)mounted therein. The control panel 510 further includes a panel 514pivotally mounted to the bezel housing about a cylindrical pin 516extending from the panel 514. The panel 514 includes a first bank ofcontrols 518 mounted thereon.

The panel 514 is movable between a first position, as shown in FIG. 25,and a second position. In the first position, the panel 514 is in agenerally horizontal position and is positioned over the second bank ofcontrols. In the second position, the panel 514 is oriented in agenerally vertical position to expose the second bank of controls.

The control panel 510 includes a cam 522 which is rotationally fixedrelative to the panel 514. The cam 522 is shown enlarged in FIG. 24.Preferably, the cam 522 is mounted on the pin 516. The cam 522 includesa profile or curved cam surface 524 having an arcuate semi-circularshape. The cam surface 524 include an indentation or detent 526 formedtherein. Preferably, the control panel 510 includes a detent mechanism(not completely shown) similar to the detent mechanisms 437 and 477 andincludes a cam follower for selectively engaging with the cam surface524 and detent 526 to provide a locking position for the panel 514, asdescribed in detail above.

The cam 522 includes a set of integrally gear teeth 523 arranged in anarcuate path about the axis of the cam 522 corresponding to the pivotaxis of the panel 514. The gear teeth 523 engage with a dampermechanism, indicated schematically at 530. The damper mechanism 530dampens the motion of the panel 514 when moved between its first andsecond positions. Any suitable damper mechanism may be used. Forexample, the damper mechanism 530 may include a gear 532 rotatablymounted within a cavity of a housing 534. The housing 534 is fixedrelative to the bezel housing 512. The gear 532 is meshingly engagedwith the gear teeth 523 of the cam 522. The cavity is filled with afluid having a desired viscosity. As the gear 532 rotates due to themovement of the cam 522, the fluid within the cavity hinders rotation ofthe gear 532 within the cavity thereby dampening the movement of the cam522.

The control panel 510 also preferably includes a spring 540 for biasingthe panel 514 to its open/second position, preferably upon actuation ofa push button actuated latch mechanism, as described above with respectto the control panel 280 in FIGS. 14 and 15. The spring 540 ispreferably a coil spring having a tubular wound center portion 542. Theends of the spring 540 define first and second tangs 544 and 546. Thecenter portion 542 of the spring 540 preferably is disposed about acylindrical portion 560 integrally formed in the cam 522. As best shownin FIG. 25, the first tang 544 is engaged with a tab 562 extending fromthe cam 522, and the second tang 546 is engaged with a portion 564 ofthe bezel housing 512. As shown in FIG. 25, the spring biases the cam522 in a counter-clockwise direction about the pin 516.

An advantage of the cam 522 illustrated in FIG. 24 is that the cam 522includes integrally formed structures to provide for a detent function,a dampening function, and a spring biased function. More particularly,the cam 522 includes the cam surface 524 and the detent 526 to providefor the detent function, the gear teeth 523 to provide for the dampeningfunction, and the cylindrical portion 560 and tab 562 to provide for aspring biased function.

There is illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27 another alternate embodiment ofa control panel indicated generally at 580. The features of the controlpanel 580 can be used with any of the control panels described and shownherein. The control panel 580 is similar to the control panel 510illustrated in FIG. 25. The control panel 580 includes a bezel housing582 for insertion into a recess of a trim housing, such as an armrest ofa door trim panel. The bezel housing 582 includes a recess having asecond bank of controls (not shown) mounted therein. The control panel580 further includes a panel 584 pivotally mounted to the bezel housing582. Preferably, the panel 584 is pivotally mounted to the bezel housingby the insertion of a pin (not shown, but disposed between the cam 522and an edge 586 of the panel 584) within a slot 588 formed in the bezelhousing 582. The panel 584 includes a first bank of controls (not shown)mounted thereon.

The panel 584 preferably includes the cam 522 of FIG. 24. As shown inFIG. 26, the tang 546 of the spring 540 is in its free non-deformedstate. Assembly of the panel 584 onto the bezel housing 582automatically deflects or coils the tang 546 about the cylindricalportion 560 of the cam 522 to a generally horizontal position to placethe spring 540 into a loaded position. Note that the bezel housing 582may include a tab 590 for receiving the tang 546.

There is illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29 another alternate embodiment ofa control panel indicated generally at 600. The features and method ofassembling the control panel 600 can be used with any of the controlpanels described and shown herein.

The control panel 600 includes a two piece bezel housing, indicatedgenerally at 602. The bezel 602 can be inserted into a recess of a trimhousing, such as an armrest of a door trim panel. The bezel housing 602includes a main portion 604 and a rear portion 606. The main portion 604includes a recess 608 formed therein and a second bank of controls 610mounted therein. The main portion 604 further includes a pair of opposedend walls 612 defining the recess 608. A hole 613 is formed in each ofthe end walls 612. The main portion 604 also includes a rear edge 614extending between the end walls 612. As best shown in FIG. 29, the rearedge 614 includes a curved surface 616 for cooperating with a scoop 618of a panel 620, in a similar function and manner as described above withrespect to the control panel 400. The rear portion 606 includes a curvedsurface 622 which also cooperates with the scoop 618. The rear portion606 includes bosses 624 extending therefrom to provide mountinglocations for attaching the rear portion 606 to the main portion 604.The portions 604 and 606 can be attached with fasteners 627, such asthreaded fasteners, for attaching ends 626 of the bosses 624 with anoutboard portion 628 of the main portion 604.

The panel 620 includes an upper surface 630 having a first bank ofcontrols 631 mounted thereon. The panel 620 is pivotally mounted to thebezel housing 602 such that the panel is movable between first andsecond positions, such as described above with respect to the controlpanel 400. Preferably, the panel includes a pair of pins 632 slidablydisposed in a respective bores 634 formed in opposed end walls 636 ofthe panel 620. Note that the portion of the panel 620 housing the pin632 is shown partially broken away for clarity in FIG. 28. Preferably, aspring 638 is disposed in each of the bores 634 for biasing the pins 632outwardly from the end walls 636. The pins 632 are movable to aretracted position completely within the respective bores 634 so thatthe ends of the pins 632 do not extend past the end walls 636.

To assemble the control panel 600, the rear portion 606 can be firstfastened to the main portion 604, as described above. Next, the pins 632are moved to their retracted positions within the bores 634 of the panel620. The panel 620 is then positioned between the end walls 612 of themain portion 604 until the pins 632 are aligned with the holes 613formed in the end walls 612 of the main portion 604. Once aligned withthe holes 613, the springs 638 move the pins 632 outwardly from thebores 634 into the holes 613, thereby providing a pivotal connectionbetween the panel 620 and the bezel housing 602, and further providingentrapment of the panel 620 relative to the bezel housing 602. The bezelhousing 602 may have already been installed into a recess formed in anarmrest or, alternatively, the control panel 600 may be installed as aunit.

Alternatively, the control panel 600 could be assembled by firstaligning the panel 620 relative to the end walls 612 of the main portion604 such that the pins extend into the holes 613, and then subsequentlyattaching the rear portion 606 to the main portion 604.

The bezel housing 602 may also be formed of a single piece in which themain portion 604 and the rear portion 606 are integrally formedtogether.

There is illustrated in FIG. 30 another alternate embodiment of acontrol panel indicated generally at 650. The features and method ofassembling the control panel 650 can be used with any of the controlpanels described and shown herein.

The control panel 650 includes a bezel housing 652 for insertion into arecess of a trim housing, such as an armrest of a door trim panel. Thebezel housing 652 includes a recess 654 formed therein and a second bankof controls 656 mounted therein. The housing 652 further includes a pairof opposed end walls 658 defining the recess 654. Holes 660 are formedin the end walls 658. The housing 652 may also include a rear portion(not shown) similar to the rear portion 606 of the control panel 600.

A panel 662 includes an upper surface 664 having a first bank ofcontrols 666 mounted thereon. The panel 662 is pivotally mounted to thebezel housing 652 such that the panel 662 is movable between first andsecond positions, such as described above with respect to the controlpanel 400. The panel 662 preferably includes a single pin 668 extendingfrom an end wall 670. The pin 668 can be stationary or retractable suchas the pins 632. The panel 662 includes a bore 672 formed in an end wall674. The control panel 650 further includes a separate pin or pinassembly 676. The pin assembly 676 includes a pin 677 and can alsoinclude a cam 678 similar in function and structure as the cam 522 inFIG. 24. The control panel 650 may further include a damper housing 680for retaining a damper mechanism 682.

To assembly the control panel 650, the pin 668 is inserted into therespected hole 660 in the end wall 658. Next, the other end of the panel662 is aligned such that the hole 660 of the end wall 658 is alignedwith the bore 672 of the end wall 674 of the panel 662. The pin 677 isinserted through the hole 660 of the end wall 658 and into the bore 672of the end wall 674 of the panel 662, thereby providing a pivotalconnection between the panel 662 and the bezel housing 652, and furtherproviding entrapment of the panel 662 relative to the bezel housing 652.Next, the damper housing 680 can be fastened to the bezel housing 652.The bezel housing 652 may have already been installed into a recessformed in an armrest or, alternatively, the control panel 650 may beinstalled as a unit.

There is illustrated in FIG. 31 another alternate embodiment of acontrol panel indicated generally at 700. The features and method ofassembling the control panel 700 can be used with any of the controlpanels described and shown herein.

The control panel 700 includes a two piece bezel housing, indicatedgenerally at 702. The bezel 702 can be inserted into a recess of a trimhousing, such as an armrest of a door trim panel. The bezel housing 702includes a main portion 704 and a rear portion 706. The main portion 704includes a recess 708 formed therein and a second bank of controls 710mounted therein. The main portion 704 further includes a pair of opposedend walls 712 defining the recess 708. The main portion further includesa pair of slots 714 formed in the end walls 712. The ends of the slots714 preferably includes a semi-circular notch 716 formed therein.

The rear portion 706 includes a curved surface 722 for cooperating witha scoop 718 of a panel 720, in a similar function and manner asdescribed above with respect to the control panel 400. The rear portion706 includes tabs 724 extending therefrom. The ends of the tabs 724preferably include semi-circular notches 726 formed therein.

The panel 720 includes an upper surface 730 having a first bank ofcontrols 731 mounted thereon. The panel 720 is pivotally mounted to thebezel housing 702 such that the panel 720 is movable between first andsecond positions, such as described above with respect to the controlpanel 400. Preferably, the panel includes a pin 732 extend from an endwall 734 thereof. A pin assembly 736 extends from an opposite end wall738. The pin assembly 736 preferably includes a pin 740 and can alsoinclude a cam 742 similar in function and structure as the cam 522 inFIG. 24. The pin 740 is disposed between the cam 742 and the end wall738 of the panel 720. The pin assembly 736 can be integrally formed withthe panel 720. The bezel housing 702 may further include a damperhousing 744 for retaining a damper mechanism (not shown).

To assemble the control panel 700, the panel is 720 aligned with themain portion 704 such that the pins 732 and 740 are disposed in thesemi-circular notches 716 of the slots 714 of the main portion 704.Next, the rear portion 706 is aligned with the main portion 704 and thepanel 720 such that the semi-circular notches 726 of the tabs 724 aredisposed about the pins 732 and 740. The notches 716 and 726 combine toform a hole for retaining the respective pins 732 and 740. The mainportion 704 and the rear portion 706 can then be attached together, suchas by threaded fasteners (not shown).

There is illustrated in FIG. 32 another alternate embodiment of acontrol panel indicated generally at 750. The control panel 750 caninclude any of the features of the various control panels describedherein, and preferably includes a plurality of controls for controllingvarious electrical components or accessories of the vehicle, such asseats, mirrors, windows, door locks, pedal adjustment mechanisms, andsteering column adjustment mechanisms. The control panel 750 is similarto the control panel 430 illustrated in FIG. 22 and includes a bezelhousing 752 for insertion into a recess of a trim housing, such as anarmrest of a door trim panel. The bezel housing 752 includes a recess754 having a second bank of controls 756 mounted therein. The secondbank of controls 756 can be electrically connected to a printed circuitboard 758. The control panel 750 further includes a panel 760 pivotallymounted to the bezel housing 752 in similar manners as the controlpanels described above. The panel 760 includes a first bank of controls762 mounted thereon. The first bank of controls 762 can be electricallyconnected to a printed circuit board 764. Preferably, the controls orprinted circuit boards 758 and 764 are electrically connected togetherby a flexible wire 766, such as by a multiplex bus wiring scheme orusing a direct connection. Of course, the controls can be wired by anysuitable manner.

The panel 760 preferably includes a scoop portion 770. It is preferredthat the flexible wire 766 is directed below the scoop portion 770. Thepanel 760 includes a slot 782 formed therein adjacent to and underneaththe scoop portion 770 and extending between the printed circuit board758 or a direct connection to one or more of the first bank of controls.The flexible wire 766 is directed through the slot 782. As the scoopportion 770 rotates, the portion of the wire 766 extending through theslot 782 also moves therewith, thereby preventing being caught betweenthe scoop cooperation and a cooperating curved surface 786 of the bezelhousing. Preferably, the bezel housing includes a trough 790 formedtherein located underneath the scoop potion 770 and the slot 782. Theflexible wire 766 is disposed in the trough. The hollow interior of thetrough 790 permits the wire 766 to translate or move therein duringmovement of the panel 760. The trough 790 covers the wire harness andprevents the wire harness from being caught on any components or caughton objects during shipment or installation within the vehicle.

There is illustrated in FIG. 33 a seat recliner switch assembly,indicated generally at 800. The switch assembly 800 is similar to theswitch 74 of the control panel 10 and controls the operation of seatcontrol mechanisms. Generally, the switch assembly 800 providesconvenient operation of a six-way powered seat (fore, aft, and heightadjustment) even if the switch assembly 800 is mounted and/or used on ahorizontal plane. In a six-way powered seat, a front portion of the seatbottom is movable in an upward and downward direction. Likewise, therear portion of the seat bottom is movable in an upward and downwarddirection. The seat bottom is also movable in the fore and aftdirections. When mounted on a horizontal plane, seat controls are lessintuitive because of the orientation of the seat does not coincide withthe orientation of the controls.

The switch assembly 800 includes a rear switch 862 and a front switch864 for controlling the fore, aft, and height adjustments of a six-waypowered seat. AS shown in FIG. 33, the switches are preferablytrapezoidal in shape to generally correspond to the shape of a seatbottom. Of course, the switches 862 and 864 can have any suitable shape,such as triangular in shape. Each of the switches 862 and 864 includethree operating positions by depression of portions, 862 a, 862 b, 862c, and 864 a, 864 b, and 864 c, downwardly. The portions can includeraised or indented tabs for tactile feedback. Depression of the portionof the switch 862 a moves the seat in an aft position. Depression of theportion of the switch 864 a moves the seat in a fore position.Depression of the portion of the switch 862 b moves the rear portion ofthe seat in a downward position. Depression of the portion of the switch864 b moves the front portion of the seat in a downward position.Depression of the portion of the switch 862 c moves the rear portion ofthe seat in an upward position. Depression of the portion of the switch864 c moves the front portion of the seat in an upward position.

Conventional power seat switches typically combine the switches 862 and864 into a single housing which is mounted on the seat in a generallyvertical orientation similar to the actual orientation of the seat.However, movement of the switch in a horizontal sideways manner on thearmrest might be confusing to a user. Therefore, it is preferable thatthe portions 862 b and 864 b are located adjacent one another to permitthe operator to simultaneously depress both the portions 862 b and 864 bwith one finger. Similarly, it is preferable that the portions of theswitches 862 c and 864 c be adjacent one another. As can be seen in FIG.33, this arrangement corresponds to having a side 870 of the switch 862and a side 872 of the switch 864 adjacent one another, wherein in theportions of the switches controlling the vertical movement of the seatare positioned on the sides 870 and 872.

The switch assembly 800 may also include a switch 870 having twooperating positions corresponding to portions 870 a and 870 b of theswitch 870. Depression of the portion of the switch 870 a reclines theseat back rearward. Depression of the portion of the switch 870 breclines the seat back forward.

There is illustrated in FIGS. 35 through 39, an alternate embodiment ofa control panel 900 having a latch mechanism, indicated generally at902, for locking a movable door panel 904 relative to a bezel housing906. The door panel 904 includes a first bank of controls 903. The bezelhousing 906 includes a second bank of controls 903. The panel 904 issimilar to the panels described and movable between a first/closedposition, as shown in FIG. 35, and a second open position. Generally, anactuating member, such as a button 945, operates the latch mechanism 902and allows the panel 904 to move from its closed and locked position,for example as shown in FIG. 2, into an open position, as shown in FIG.3. Preferably, the control panel 900 includes a spring (not shown)similar to the spring 310 for biasing the panel 904 to its open positionThe button 945 is disposed in a recess 910 formed in the bezel housing906.

The latch mechanism preferably includes a button, indicated generally at945, a latch cam member, indicated generally at 1100, a latch cam spring1102 and a latch cam base, indicated generally at 1104. The structureand operation of each will be described in greater detail below.

Illustrated in FIGS. 36a through 36 d is the button 945, shown having agenerally square body 1106. However, the button 945 can have anysuitable shape such as rectangular, round, triangular or ovate. Theupper surface 1108 of the button 945 is preferably shaped similarly tothe body 1106 and when used is depressed by the user. It is anticipatedthat the button 945 will be made entirely of a single type of material,however, the upper surface 1108, can be made of a softer material, suchas fabric, or a gel- or foam-filled plastic, for the comfort of theuser. The lower surface of the button has at least one leg 1110, andpreferably a plurality of legs, extending therefrom. It is preferredthat the legs 1110 be positioned about the body 1106 of the button 945equally. Particularly, with the illustrated square button 945 forexample, the four legs 1110 are positioned at the four corners of thebody 1106. In alternate embodiments using differently shaped buttons,the legs are preferably equally spaced about the perimeter of the body.The lower portion of each leg 1110 of the button 945 has a first camportion 1112 formed thereon. Each cam portion 1112 has an inclined orangled surface. It is preferred that the angle be approximatelyforty-five degrees in order to translate the downward force, when thebutton is pushed, to a lateral force that moves the latch cam member1100. However, it can be appreciate that if the direction the latch cam1100 is to be moved is other than ninety degrees, the angle of the camportion 1112 can be changed to provide the desired amount and directionof force. The first cam portions 1112 of the button are adapted tocooperate with the second cam portions 1116 formed on the latch cammember 1100.

Now referring to FIGS. 37a through 37 f, the latch cam member 1100 isshown as a generally rectangular body 1115 having a tab 1114 extendingtherefrom and at least one second cam portion 1116. The latch campreferably has a plurality of second cam portions 1116 that correspondto the first cam portions 1112. The second cam portions 1116 are spacedaround the perimeter of the latch cam member 1100 such that the secondcam portions 1116 are aligned with the legs 1110 of the button 945. Eachcam portion 1116 preferably has an inclined or angled surface. It isalso preferred that the angle be approximately forty-five degrees inorder to translate the downward force when the button is pushed, to alateral force that moves the latch cam member 1100 horizontally.However, if the direction the latch cam 1100 is to be moved is otherthan ninety degrees from the force angle, the angle of the cam portionscan be changed to provide the desired amount and direction of force. Thesecond cam portions 1116 of the latch cam 1100 are adapted to cooperatewith the first cam portions 1112 formed on the legs 1110 of the button945. The latch cam member 1100 also has a tab cam portion 1118, formedon the tab 1114, extending from the body 1115 of the latch cam member1100. The tab cam portion 1118 is generally in contact with an end wall919 of the panel 904 when the panel 904 is being moved to its closedposition. As is best shown in FIGS. 37e and 37 f, the latch cam member1100 also includes a notch 1120 which receives the latch cam spring1102. The housing of the spring 1102 in the notch 1120 and in a notch1131 of the latch cam base 1104 provides a relatively short latchmechanism. The generally horizontal spring 1102 biases the latch cammember 1100 into a first outwardly position. When the panel 904 is beingclosed, the panel 904 contacts the tab cam 1118 of the latch cam member1100 and pushes the member against the biasing spring 1102 such that thelatch cam member 1100 moves in the opposite direction of the springbias. In the first position, the tab 1114 lockingly engages panel 904 bybeing disposed in a slot 920, as will described below.

The button 945, the latch cam portion 1100 and the spring 1102 arepreferably supported relative to the bezel housing 906 by the latch cambase 1104. The base 1104, shown in FIGS. 38a through 38 e, is assembledwith the button 945, latch cam member 100 and spring 102 in thepositions generally described above, and secured therewith. The base1104 includes a generally flat body 1122 having a pair of oppositelyspaced flanges 1124 extending generally perpendicularly therefrom,preferably adapted to receive and support the body 1115 of the latch cammember 1100. Between the flanges 1124, are a pair of generally parallel,spaced apart tracks 1126 within which the latch cam member 1100 canmove. A portion of the latch cam member 1100 is further received withina latch stop 1128 positioned at the back of the support 1104. The latchstop 1128 is positioned generally perpendicularly to the flanges 1124and track 1126 and has an outer wall 1130 and a gap 1132 for receivingthe end of the spring 1102. When the panel 904 is in the closed andlatched position, the spring 1102 biases the latch cam member 1100 in afirst position. When the button 945 is depressed, the latch cam member1100 moves in a second direction thereby compressing the spring 1102against the latch stop 1128.

Positioned at oppositely spaced positions on the body 1122 of the latchcam base 1104 are connector flanges 1134 formed with the body 1122 ofthe base 1104. The connector flanges extend generally within the sameplane as the body 1122 and have a hole 1136 formed therethrough. Theholes 1136 are preferably adapted to receive threaded fasteners 1138that can be used to connect the base 1104 and the intervening parts withthe bezel housing 906. Although threaded fasteners 1138 are used in theFigures for showing how the base 1104 is connected to the bezel housing906, it can be appreciated that any suitable method for attaching thebase to the housing can be used.

Illustrated in FIGS. 39a through 39 c is the assembled button and latchassembly. In FIG. 39b, it can be seen how the first cam portions 1112and second cam portions 1116 cooperate to move the latch in a first andsecond direction from a respective first position to a second position.In the first position, the tab 1114 of the latch cam member 1100 locksthe panel 904 relative to the bezel housing 906. Therefore, the panel904 includes a gap or slot 920 for receiving the tab 1114 of the latchcam 1100. The second cam portions 1116 of the latch cam member 1100preferably also have an engaging surface that is shaped to correspondwith the shape of the first cam portion 1112 engaging surface. Forexample, the first cam portion 1112 has a generally flat, angled orsloped surface and the second cam portion 1116 has a generally flatsurface positioned at generally the same angle or slope. When the buttonis depressed the first cam portion 1112 engaging surface engages thesecond cam portion 1116 engaging surface. The further the button 945 ispressed, the more the latch cam member 1100 moves in a direction counterthe angle of the cam portion surfaces. In the second position, the tab1114 will disengage the panel 904 thereby allowing the panel 904 to bemoved upwardly relative to the bezel housing 906, as described above. Asalso described above, the end of the tab 1114 also has a cam portion1118 that engages a portion of the end wall 919 of the panel 904 whenthe panel 904 is returned to a closed position. The portion of the endwall 919 temporarily engages the cam portion 1118 of the tab 1114thereby moving the latch cam member 1100 in a direction against thebiasing force of the spring 1102. When the panel 904 is moved beyond acertain point, the spring biased latch cam member 1100, and morespecifically the tab 1114, moves into engagement with the slot 920 ofthe panel 904. This locks the tab 1114 with the panel 904 therebypreventing inadvertent movement of the panel 904.

It should be understood that the various features of differentembodiments may be used as shown with the specific embodimentsillustrated or with other features shown and described with othercontrol panels arrangements. Thus, a control panel can be configuredwith one or more of the features as disclosed herein. It should also beunderstood that the trim panels or housings to which the control panelsare mounted can be any suitable trim component in the vehicle, such asdoor panels, armrests, instrument panels, center consoles, seats,overhead consoles, and roofs.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the principleand mode of operation of this invention have been explained andillustrated in its preferred embodiment. However, it must be understoodthat this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specificallyexplained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A control panel assembly for a vehiclecomprising: a housing having a recess formed therein; a panel movablyattached to said housing; and a control mechanism mounted on one of saidhousing and said panel; wherein said panel is movable between a firstposition in which said panel generally covers said recess, and a secondposition in which said recess is exposed; and wherein said panel isreleasably locked in said first position by a latch mechanism, andwherein said latch mechanism has an actuating member with a first camportion and a latch member with a second cam portion wherein operationof the actuating member causes the first cam portion to engage thesecond cam portion thereby moving the latch member into a releaseposition.
 2. The panel assembly defined in claim 1 wherein a secondcontrol mechanism is mounted on the other of said one of said housingand said panel.
 3. The panel assembly defined in claim 1 wherein theactuating member has four spaced apart first cam portions and the latchmember has four spaced apart second cam portions; the first and secondcam portions being positioned and adapted to cooperate with each other.4. The panel assembly defined in claim 1 wherein each cam portionincludes a sloped surface.
 5. The panel assembly defined in claim 4wherein the actuating member is a generally rectangular button.
 6. Thepanel assembly defined in claim 5 wherein the cam portions are locatedat the four corners of the actuating member.
 7. The panel assemblydefined in claim 4 wherein the actuating member has a generally ovateshape.
 8. The panel assembly defined in claim 7 wherein the cam portionsare spaced about the perimeter of the actuating member.
 9. The panelassembly defined in claim 4 the latch member includes a tab that engagesa portion of the panel in a locked position and disengages the portionof the panel in a release position.
 10. The panel assembly defined inclaim 1 wherein the housing is mounted on a vehicle door panel.
 11. Thepanel assembly defined in claim 1, wherein said latch mechanismincludes: an actuating member having a first cam portion; a first springmember that biases the actuating member into a first position; a latchmember having a second cam portion; and a second spring member thatbiases the latch member into a first position; wherein operation of theactuating member causes the first cam portion to engage the second camportion thereby moving the latch member into a second position.
 12. Thepanel assembly defined in claim 11 wherein the first cam portion of theactuating member has at least one angled surface and the second camportion of the latch member has at least one angled surface thatcorresponds to the angled surface of the first cam portion.
 13. Thepanel assembly defined in claim 11 wherein the actuating member includesa plurality of first cam portions and the latch member has a pluralityof second cam portions wherein each of said first cain portionscorrespond to each of said second cam portions.
 14. The panel assemblydefined in claim 11 wherein the latch member engages the panel when inthe first position and disengages the panel when in the second position.15. The panel assembly defined in claim 11 wherein the actuating memberis a manually operated button.
 16. The panel assembly defined in claim11 further comprising a latch support member wherein the latch supportmember retains the latch member with the housing.
 17. The panel assemblydefined in claim 16 wherein the first spring and second spring aremounted on the latch support member.
 18. The panel assembly defined inclaim 17 wherein the first spring biases the button in a first directionand the second spring biases the latch member in a direction that isdifferent than said first direction.
 19. The panel assembly defined inclaim 17 wherein the first spring biases the button in a first directionand the second spring biases the latch member in a second direction thatis generally perpendicular to said first direction.